Love the Outdoors? Explore the Upper Neuse River Greenway Trail
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
The Upper Neuse River Greenway trail is a recent addition to the Triangle region’s network of nature trails. It officially opened in November 2011 and is a project led by the Raleigh Parks and Recreation department, whose mission it is to “to actively encourage, provide, promote and protect quality leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities, facilities and environments that are essential for the enhancement of the lives of our citizens” (Source: www.raleighnc.gov).
Greenway Details
The Upper Neuse River Greenway trail is a 10-foot-wide paved pathway that extends from Falls Lake dam to the WRAL soccer complex on Perry Creek Road. The greenway features seven bridges, along with seven boardwalk sections. The trail passes under Falls of Neuse Road, New Falls of Neuse Road and Capital Boulevard, so there are no road conflicts along the route. The greenway is the first segment of the larger Neuse River trail to be completed. The trail provides connection to the Falls canoe launch and the Falls Lake recreation area. In addition, the trail passes through the future Thornton Road park site. In addition, the Wake Forest greenway system is scheduled to be connected to the Neuse River trail.
History, Background and Funding
The Neuse River corridor forms the backbone of the Capital Area Greenway, a region designated in 1976. It has a number of important goals, such as the preservation of the flood plain along the river and the development of a trail system throughout the corridor, including one that runs its entire length. Another goal involves the creation of upland park areas that flank the corridor on either side at a distance of two to three miles. These are designed to provide additional recreational opportunities and access points. To that end, since the corridor’s master plan was adopted, over 2000 acres of land have been acquired. The area is funded by city of Raleigh bond as well as by nearly one million Federal dollars. In addition, financial support comes from AARA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) in the amount of 3.25 million dollars.
For a unique experience of the region’s remarkable natural beauty, be sure to visit the Upper Neuse Greenway trail.
Don’t Miss a Unique Exhibition about the Mongol Warlord Genghis Khan
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
From November 19, 2011, to January 16, 2012, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh will be the site of a remarkable exhibition of treasures from the empire of Genghis Khan. The exhibit is on loan directly from Khan’s native Mongolia, thanks to the Mongolian Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and some private collectors as well.
Who was Genghis Khan?
Khan was a Mongol warlord who’s famous for conquering half of the known world in the years between 1162 and 1227 AD. His empire was four times the size of the Roman Empire and was roughly the size of the entire continent of Africa, an incredible 11,600,000 square miles. Khan is widely regarded as an innovative leader and enlightened statesman who brought stability, religious tolerance and unity to most of Asia and some parts of Europe.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibit tells Khan’s amazing story by focusing on his life, his culture, his people, his land and his legacy that endures to this day. There’s a wide-ranging collection of objects from Khan’s time — weapons, jewelry, ornaments and even musical instruments. Also on display are working models of Khan’s deadly siege weapons, including a huge triple crossbow and a trebuchet, which is a type of powerful catapult. Both weapons contributed greatly to Khan’s success in conquering heavily fortified walled cities. Recently, the mummified body of a Mongol princess was added to the exhibition, including her wooden coffin, exquisite silk robes, pearl earrings and a variety of other treasures. The mummy was discovered by Mongolian archeologists in the Gobi Desert, where the dry climate and a sheltered cave naturally preserved it.
Ticket Information and Address
Tickets for the exhibition range from $5 to $14. Contact the museum at 919.733.7450 or toll-free 877.4NATSCI. The address is 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Normal opening hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, noon to 5 PM. On the first Friday of the month, the museum is open until 9 PM, but do call to verify the evening hours before visiting.
This is a rare opportunity to view a spectacular, one-of-a-kind collection. Highly recommended!
Don’t Be a Scrooge: Visit the Bitmore Village Dickens Festival!
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
This holiday season, be sure to experience the unique historical atmosphere of the Bitmore Village Dickens festival. Held over a 3-day period in December, the festival is a celebration of the magic of the season, complete with music and over 300 performers who bring Dickens’ world to life. The main stage of the festival offers continuous entertainment, including the Montford Park Players drama group, singers, dancers, choral groups, musicians and much more.
Events at the Bitmore Village Dickens Festival
Charles Dickens was the 19th-century English author who penned the beloved tale “A Christmas Carol” and who created the remarkable character Ebenezer Scrooge. In the story, Scrooge is visited by a ghost who helps him overcome his miserly nature and become a true believer in the magic of the season. To celebrate his transformation, the Bitmore Village Dickens festival offers plenty of entertainment, both onstage and by strolling actors and musicians.
More about the Dickens Festival
Plan to come to the festival in the evening, when over 250,000 white lights illuminate the village with a wonderful, magical glow. Be sure to visit some of the shops, where you’ll find the shopkeepers dressed in traditional Dickensian costumes from the 19th century Victorian era. Enjoy a horse-drawn ride through the village’s tree-lined streets. To enhance the ambience, you’ll find real “chestnuts roasting by an open fire,” as the song goes, so don’t forget to sample them. The village is decked out with evergreen holiday wreaths on each picturesque streetlight and on many shop doors to enhance that holiday feeling.
The Bitmore Village Dickens festival is an event not to be missed!
A Unique Holiday Experience: The Scandinavian Christmas Fair
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Looking for something different to do this holiday season? Why not visit the Triangle region’s Scandinavian Christmas fair? The fair is a wonderful celebration of the authentic Christmas traditions in the countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. At the fair, you’ll learn about holiday celebrations in Scandinavia. Called “Julmarknad” in Swedish, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience the holiday customs and traditions of these northern European countries, which, as we all know, are closer to the North Pole where Santa lives! So, what better way to celebrate the season?
What’s Happening at the Scandinavian Christmas Fair
The fair attracts people from Scandinavia, as well as those who are of Scandinavian descent, but all others are welcome as well. Soak up the ambience of this annual holiday tradition, including sampling delicious seasonal treats. In addition, a number of skilled artisans and vendors offer a unique choice of items from all over Scandinavia, including homemade indigenous foods, jewelry, crystal, decorations and much, much more. Immerse yourself in the old-world atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind holiday event.
Events and Performances at the Fair
Talented artisans and vendors offer unique crafts and gifts from all over Scandinavia. You will find everything from knives and quilts to crystal pieces, jewelry, homemade bread and Christmas decorations. One of the highlights of the event is the Lucia Procession where adults and children dressed in Scandinavian costumes perform traditional songs. It’s a great event for families — the kids will enjoy a visit with Santa, who’s known as Tomten in Scandinavia. There’s also dancing and storytelling, along with charming gnomes and other popular holiday characters.
Entertainment and Food Galore!
The stage at the fair is a center of activity and ongoing entertainment, including traditional Scandinavian folk dancing and music, along with plenty of singing. There’s even a fashion show that displays the beautiful folk costumes of this vibrant European region. Why not plan to attend this year to experience the wonderful culture, traditions and food of Scandinavia, including the ever-popular herring? Other culinary delights to experience are Swedish meatballs, salmon and pea soup. There’s also a “coffee corner” that serves delicious home-baked pastries. Adults also will enjoy sampling glogg, a wonderful spiced wine.
Find the Scandinavian Christmas fair at the Holshouser building on the state fairgrounds.